Punjab Cricket Association overhauls coaching staff for 2026‑27 season

In a sweeping move aimed at revitalising its first‑class fortunes, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has reshuffled the entire coaching cadre for the senior men’s team ahead of the 2026‑27 domestic schedule. Amit Uniyal, a former left‑arm quick who featured in 29 first‑class matches for Punjab, steps into the head‑coach role, succeeding Sandeep Sharma. The new support staff comprises TP Singh as batting coach, Harmit Singh as bowling coach and Manish Sharma as fielding coach, each replacing Uday Koul, Gagandeep Singh and Sandeep Sunwal respectively. Uniyal’s appointment makes him the fourth head coach in as many seasons after brief spells by Salvi, Wasim Jaffer and Sandeep Sharma. The decision follows a period of under‑achievement in the Ranji Trophy, where Punjab accumulated only three wins against ten losses across the last three campaigns, despite securing the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 crown in 2023‑24. Speaking to the media, Uniyal highlighted the need for a unified playing unit and stressed that the side must develop bowlers capable of delivering 20‑wicket hauls to compete effectively in red‑ball cricket. He also referenced his previous roles with Chandigarh’s coaching groups and his experience as a selector, including a stint as chair of the selection panel in the prior season. To stabilise the selection process— which saw 27 players tried and three captains rotated—PCA has formed a fresh senior‑team selection committee led by Gautam Gupta. The association hopes the comprehensive changes will restore Punjab’s standing in India’s domestic circuit.